March 31, 2016

Talking
about feet in general can be a touchy subject. While some might not be phased
by it, others might find it a bit odd and unappealing. I have been lucky in the
sense that my feet haven’t really been a major source of pain or embarrassment
for me, although I definitely go through worse “foot days.” My reoccurring
issues are mostly dryness (and sometimes peeling) and the occasional calluses
and rough skin. I do not really wear heels (find out why here), however wearing sandals and flat shoes also
has its disadvantages. I know first hand how hard it can be to find a product
that can make a noticeable difference in your foot health and prevent the same
issues from reoccurring. From trying an electronic foot file, to thick creams
and pumice stones, I’ve had my fair share of trial and error. I was recently
introduced to Footlogix Medical, a foot care company that specializes in
healing problematic skin. I was really intrigued by their Intensive Care Moisturizing Mousse*, said to treat common foot
problems and prevent further damage. I have been putting it to the test for the
last few weeks, so if you care to read about my experience as well as
participate in a fun giveaway, make sure to read until the end!

March 26, 2016

A few weeks ago, I had a little shop around my all-time favourite online store, iHerb.com. If you've been following me for a while, you've probably heard me mention them a ton both on my blog and YouTube channel. What I love so much is that they have an amazing selection of natural products, in categories such as food, makeup, skin care, supplements (and the list goes on) and their international shipping rates are very affordable. I usually always place an order to replenish what I'm running low on, but it's also a good excuse for me to try out new products that peak my curiosity. Being a muncher at heart, I wanted to give some of their vegan snacks a try and do a kind of first impression/taste test. Since I picked up other random things such as makeup tools and supplements, I'll be sharing those too! As always, you can use my coupon code FFM227 or shop through this link to save at checkout.

March 25, 2016

I absolutely love coming across products that are not like the rest - whether it's due to their funky packaging, unique formulations or even the brand's overall message. When an introduction to blinc cosmetics landed in my inbox, I couldn't help but be intrigued by their claim to be "better than waterproof". Not only that, but their eye products are also said to be run-proof, smudge-proof and flake-proof and cannot come off solely with water or an oil-based makeup remover. Instead, it is the combination of warm water and gentle pressure, for instance from a soaked washcloth, wet fingertips or a streaming shower, that will make these products melt away, without leaving a mess behind. Neat (and quite unusual) isn't it? I was pretty skeptical to use long-wearing and waterproof eye products that do not require a makeup remover, which is why I decided to put the blinc Box Discovery Collection* to the test. Are these just as long-wearing and water resistant as they claim?

March 23, 2016

Odylique is one of those natural brands that I would often hear about, especially from UK beauty bloggers and vloggers. I believe I may have even taken a peek at their products online after seeing them on social media a few years ago, but when I found out they were based across the pond, I knew the shipping rates could not justify a purchase. Lo and behold, I was recently informed by the brand that they have launched a website in North America - you can imagine how delighted I was to hear this! To top it off, they also asked me if I would like to give some of their products a try, namely their Balancing Citrus Super Tonic*, Lemon & Tea Tree Purifying Wash* and Gentle Herb Shampoo* which I have been testing out for the last month. Better yet, one of my lucky readers will also have the chance to discover this wonderful line, so if you would like to enter the giveaway, just keep reading!

March 19, 2016

Being as a new season is upon us (can you believe we are already in spring? I sure can't!) and keeping with tradition, I will be diving into all the products I've used up in the last few months - EPIC EMPTIES style. In case this is your first time stumbling upon an empties post, it is basically a 'show and tell' of beauty products that were finished up, where the good, and well, not so good is revealed. I am seriously addicted to seeing what others have in their stash, which is why I started sharing mine years ago. I have a variety of products to talk about today spanning categories such as skin care, makeup, personal hygiene and more, so without further ado - here we go!

March 16, 2016

As someone who tests many skin care products out (and often at the same time), when I manage to practically finish an entire tub in just over a month, it says a LOT about how truly amazing a product is. I am a huge, and I mean HUGE fan of body butters - actually, they might just be my favourite body products to apply. Granted, they may be thick, they may feel greasy, but they truly work. I recently had the opportunity to try out the Nature's Pure Bliss Alligator Butter*, which you may have guessed was created to soothe extremely dry, scaly skin. While I may have combination skin on my face, my body tends to be flaky and become itchy if I forget to tend to it, even just for a day. I recently raved about this body butter, but honestly the Alligator Butter would have to take the cake in terms of my current favourite body product. Here's why.

March 14, 2016

As I am sitting here typing away, I have this light, invigorating scent tickling my nose. You would think such an aroma is emanating from my oil perfume or even my deodorant, but no, it is actually from what I've just applied to my face. Who knew? This is just one of the many reasons I have been loving Bella Aura Skincare*, an all natural, organic skincare brand that just happens to be Canadian-made too. Founded by Yasmine Jones, the idea to venture into the world of natural skincare making came to her following a difficult emotional time in her personal life. This built-up stress resulted in her developing severe acne which left her scarred, literally. It was during a trip to Morocco that this epiphany came to her: she became determined to heal her skin through natural means, while still incorporating proven active ingredients. Working with a chemist and scientist and inspired by a Moroccan herbalist she met during her North African visit, she created a full skincare regimen, suitable for the most sensitive skin (fun fact: I have already been to Morocco, although only for a few hours during a layover coming back from Spain, so I did not get to step out of the airport sadly). Back to regular programming: I have been using Bella Aura's Gentle Purifying Cleanser, Antioxidant Booster Emulsion, Instant Lifting Eye Contour, Daily Moisture Repair Emulsion and Night Cellular Renewal Emulsion for the last few weeks and wanted to report back on my results, so here we go!

March 12, 2016

You might recall about a year ago I posted my Get To Know Me Tag - it is honestly one of my favourite videos to watch on YouTube, alongside the 50 Random Facts About Me Tag. I think they really let one's personality shine since they are often quirky and funny. I love getting to know someone that I look up to and connecting with them through their weird habits and embarrassing moments - not only is it entertaining, but I also deeply admire them for being so real and candid with their audience. Hence today, I thought I would share 50 Random Facts About Me (okay I might have slipped a few more in because I got carried away... oopsie). Watch below for the good, the bad and the ugly!

March 10, 2016

Just like makeup, hair trends can be really interesting to follow (and I'm not just talking about runway hairstyles and colours). We are all familiar with our good ol shampoos and conditioners to keep our hair clean and smelling good, however in recent years I have come across the 'no poo method' (which I still have yet to try) and the 'reverse wash method' whereby you start by conditioning and then deep cleaning your hair. I was recently introduced to the NEW TRESemmé Beauty-Full Volume Collection*, a reverse washing system meant to transform dull, flat hair by making it look and feel model-worthy with added volume and shine. Having tried a few products from TRESemmé in the past but not being particularly impressed, I thought I would give their new Beauty-Full Volume Pre-Wash Conditioner, Shampoo and Hair Maximizer a shot. Skeptical like me? You've come to the right place to find out if these actually work!

March 7, 2016

Who here loves a good giveaway? I sure do! You too? Well you are in for a treat as I have teamed up with a group of awesome bloggers to bring you a FABULOUS giveaway! TWO winners will each receive a $300 gift card to either Sephora or Target (winner’s pick). Best part? It is INTERNATIONAL!

March 4, 2016

Skin care is something I really enjoy writing about, simply because it is an essential in anyone's routine and I genuinely have fun trying out what is on the market and recommending what is best, since let's face it stepping into the drugstore can be a bit overwhelming. Whether you keep it simple with a day and night moisturizer or have a set routine in place that includes six different steps, you can't deny the difference that using a few products makes. I've talked about a few Bioderma products before: their Sensibio line is probably my favourite because it is so gentle on my skin and really effective at removing makeup quickly. I have recently been trying out their Atoderm line which targets people with very dry and sensitive skin, more specifically their PP Ultra-Nourishing Balm*, Gentle Shower Gel*, Lip Moisturizing Stick* as well as their Ultra Repair Hand and Nail Cream*. I am more familiar with their face products so it was interesting to try their body products this time around.

March 2, 2016

My first encounter with Indeed Labs goes a few years back. I came across their now incredibly popular Hydraluron Moisture Booster randomly during a quick run to the drugstore and decided to give it a try without really knowing what to expect. Hyaluronic acid, as I am sure you are all familiar with by now, has become a star ingredient in hundreds of creams, lotions and serums because of its ability to increase skin's hydration from below the surface. The Indeed Labs Vitamin C24* is their latest innovation, a formula boasting vitamin C (22% L-ascorbic acid) and 2% hyaluronic acid to protect skin from damage caused by environmental aggressors and free radicals as well as help slow down visible signs of aging. Seeing as I am a huge fan of the brand, I was really looking forward to see how their newest addition would perform.